Summer In London Activities!

Lots to do in London this season: Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, begins the parade of activities this weekend. A Diamond Jubilee has only ever been celebrated in the UK once before – Queen Victoria, who reigned for more than 60 years, celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

I was in London last week and the city is looking forward to welcoming the world for this celebration and the upcoming Olympics. It’s not too late for Olympic tickets, there are a few hotels with room and tickets can be achieved. Do use public transportation, as London traffic on a normal day can be challenging.

We have countless private and exclusive options for visitors, among them a few suggestions for families with children. Cheers!


Traveling with children to London can be a marvelous experience. With my very kid friendly guides, everyone can enjoy the experience. Museums, famous buildings, culture, history and fascinating customs. Walks by the Thames with a guide explaining historical facts, cruises on the river, see the old London and the ultra-new side of the city. A ride in an open top bus provides perspective on each interesting neighborhood location. A typical few days with children is outlined below. Hotels can be selected by location or personal preference. I work with many hotels who pamper my clients. I also partner with an exclusive firm which offers amazing, private behind-the-scenes tours.

A TYPICAL ARRIVAL TO LONDON:

• Family to be met at planeside, VIP through customs, luggage will then be carried straight to your waiting transport.

Evening Dinner at The Wolseley, followed by performance of theatre. London is home to numerous first run theatre productions; many are quite suitable for children. “Billy Eliot”, “Mary Poppins”, “Grease”, and “We Will Rock You” are just a few.

Morning Guide to meet family at hotel and begin day of sightseeing. Here are some– but not all– of the possibilities for private tours:

• Open top bus tour, Westminster Abbey.

• Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, private viewing behind the crowded gates, enjoy behind the scenes tour and avoid the crowds; speak to the guards about their duties, pet their horses if you are inclined!

Boat to Greenwich tour options: Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, Docklands Museum, National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory or London Aquarium, Museums, London Dungeon, Victoria and Albert Museum, Madame Tussad’s Wax Museum.

Afternoon/Evening Options

• Driver at hotel, transport to London Eye Private Pod, where you will enjoy drinks & nibbles served on board in your private pod, see and photograph the amazing views of the city from the Pod. Walk to dinner afterwards.

• Private boxes at theatre can be arranged, it is also possible to met with cast members.

• Jewel House-Private Tour Family will be greeted by a Beefeater. You will hear tales of Henry VIII and how and where he dealt with his unwanted wives and see the infamous Traitor’s Gate. Your Beefeater will then host you with champagne and canapés while you enjoy a private viewing of the Crown Jewels. After a quick dinner locally, you will return to the Tower to watch the Ceremony of the Keys. This ceremony is the traditional locking up of the Tower of London and has taken place on each and every night, without fail, for at least 700 years. The importance of securing this fortress for the night is still very relevant because although the Monarch no longer resides at this Royal Palace, the Crown Jewels and many other valuables still do.

More Sightseeing In and Around London. Anything not covered on previous days:

• Hampton Court • Museums / Art Galleries • Shopping at Harrods / Selfridges / Hamleys

• London Dungeons • London Aquarium • Rock Circus

• V.I.P. Day at ZSL London Zoo Select up to four animals and spend time feeding them in their enclosure with a zoo specialist.

• War Museum

• Brass Rubbing Center St. Martin in the Fields is one of London’s most charismatic churches. Trafalgar Square borders the church. Down in the crypt is the Brass Rubbing Center, where you can rub a replica brass to create a color picture of a knight in armor, a gracious Queen, a mythological beast or intricate Celtic patterns.


Villa Arrighi Umbria

Villa Arrighi Umbria
Villa Arrighi consists of a watchtower with an adjoining fortified farmhouse and has a commanding view towards Tuscany and all along the Niccone Valley. It was meticulously restored in 2004 and now consists of three buildings: the main house, guest cottage and bread oven. The imposing L-shaped main house consisting of the former fortified farmhouse and watchtower, is approached through the entrance gates, past the guest cottage, up a short drive lined with holm oaks and the mature garden planted with ancient olive trees and Mediterranean plants.
A large paved courtyard with fountain leads into Arrighi
which has some fine Romanesque features and the origins of the building
that date back to the 11th century. It has been renovated to preserve
the austere external appearance while creating a spacious light modern
interior with sandstone flooring and a glass-encased external staircase.
Extensive private grounds and generous 360 degree views, an 18 x 4 m
infinity pool and vaulted pool house and the minimalist interiors make
this a unique property.
 

Sleeps up to 12 people in 5 bedrooms in the main house and 1 bedroom in the guest cottage.
Main House
Spacious master bedroom with windows on three sides, with en-suite shower room and separate bathroom, dressing room and TV sitting room/study, on first floor 1 large double bedroom on ground floor of the tower with en-suite bathroom containing square stone bathtub, direct access to the garden and courtyard
1 double bedroom with en-suite bathroom on first floor of tower
1 double bedroom with walk-in bathroom on second and top floor of the tower
1double bedroom with en-suite bathroom on second floor accessed by steel and oak walkway around double height sitting room Large high ceiling kitchen with huge original arch, sandstone work surfaces with fitted bespoke oak fittings fully equipped including 6 burner gas cooker, dishwasher and icemaker fridge, and a custom made table block and stools and multiregional DVD/TV and also separate larder and pantry Dining room which seats 12 with access to outside dining terrace Living room leading off dining room with fireplace and access to garden Entrance hall with guest wc Double height sitting room on first floor with majestic fireplace Landing on first floor which doubles as a loggia as windows slide back into walls to create an open air space – access to courtyard via external stairs

 

Guest cottage
1 double bedroom with en-suite bathroom Living room with small kitchenette and TV Laundry room fully equipped with washing machine, dryer and ironing machine Wine cellar
Garden
•Large outdoor dining table seats 12, under covered loggia •    Traditional bread oven (for roasts, grills and pizza), with back up 15 KW generator and storage at the back
•Vaulted stone built underground pool house with shower and WC, changing facilities,towel storage
•Swimming pool 18 x 4 meters with overflow towards valley and spectacular views of the castle
•Carport for 4 cars and automatic illumination
•Automatic gate
•Garden shed for storage
General information
•High speed wireless internet access in house and garden
•Climate control in glass encased external staircase
•Lightening conductor covering house and grounds
•603 square metres living space
•475m above sea level
•Alarm system connected to Estate Manager
•Large irrigated lawn areas and flowerbeds
•Traditionally planted garden with ancient olives, evergreen oaks, Judas tree, magnolias, shrubs and herbs including lavender, santolina, sage and rosemary
•UV and water softener system
•Continuous hot water supply, pressurized and instant circulation system
•Under floor heating in all ground floor areas and radiators in all other rooms and areas
•Heated towel rails in all 6 bathrooms on separate circuits also functioning in summer
•Steel window frames incorporate both pull down fly screens and obscuring blinds
•Pool furniture
•Sheltered walled pool area with irrigated lawn surround
•Illuminated garden and terraces
Included in price
•Electricity, water, the services of the Estate Manager, a maid (5 – 6 hours per day for 6 days a week except Sunday), full gardening and pool cleaning service, 24-hour emergency service, linen change, use of pool towels, an ample welcome hamper.
 

Not included in price
•Heating of house
•Extra maid service available up to full time 6 days a week
•Meals and cooking
•Shopping service
•Beverages
•Gratuities for staff
•Personal expenses such as communication charges, phone, fax, e-mail, etc
•Estate and sporting activities, such as horse riding, rental of mountain bikes, picnic and boating on one of the lakes, etc.